We acknowledge that we are situated on the traditional territory of the Attawandaron (Neutral), Anishnaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. For thousands of years, these First Nations peoples have walked on this land; their relationship with the land at the centre of their lives and spirituality.
Our small stone church was built on the Haldimand Tract, the land promised to Six Nations, which includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. We are committed to forming alliances and solidarity with Indigenous peoples in our collective commitment to make the promise and the challenge of Truth and Reconciliation real in our community.
The existence and struggles of Indigenous peoples have been largely absent from the Canadian consciousness for hundreds of years. The fact that we are living, working, and gathering here is a direct benefit of policies of expulsion and assimilation of Indigenous peoples during the time of settlement, Confederation and onward. The harms of these policies are many and are still being felt in Indigenous communities today.
Our land acknowledgement is just a first step in doing this work of truth and reconciliation.
Pleases also visit this page to read about our First Nations art installation.